The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern, linked to six types of cancer, including cervical, oropharyngeal (throat), anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers. Despite its pervasive impact, a new study from the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center reveals a startling gap in public awareness: one in three U.S. adults remains unaware of the connection between HPV and these cancers.
This lack of awareness is particularly critical, according to lead researcher Kalyani Sonawane, Ph.D., as it influences decisions about HPV vaccination. “When people make decisions about whether they want to get vaccinated or whether they want to get their child vaccinated, they are doing a risk-versus-benefit assessment,” Sonawane explained. “So it’s important for them to understand what can happen when someone gets an HPV infection.”
Understanding the Scope of the Problem
Sonawane and her team utilized data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), conducted by the National Cancer Institute. Their findings, published in JAMA Oncology, indicate that approximately a third of the population is unaware of either HPV or the HPV vaccine. This lack of awareness is particularly pronounced in the Midwest and Southern states, with over 40% of residents in 13 states, including South Carolina, unaware of the vaccine’s existence.
“HPV is linked with six different types of cancers, but cervical cancer seems to be the one that people are most aware of,” Sonawane noted. “That probably goes back to the original introduction of the vaccine in 2006. It was first approved for girls and heavily marketed toward girls. Even the packaging was pink.”
The Critical Role of Vaccination
The HPV vaccine is considered the first and best line of defense against HPV-related cancers. Research from both Europe and the U.S., including studies conducted at Hollings, demonstrates a significant reduction in cervical cancer cases among young women. These women, who were children when the vaccine was first introduced, form the first cohort to be vaccinated, and scientists anticipate even greater reductions in HPV-related cancers as they age.
Cervical cancer serves as a bellwether for HPV-related diseases, commonly manifesting in individuals in their 30s or 40s. In contrast, oropharyngeal cancers are typically diagnosed later, in the 50s or 60s, indicating a delay before the full impact of vaccination on these cancers can be observed.
Challenges and Misconceptions
One of the most significant knowledge gaps identified by the study is the link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer. Nationally, 70% of those aware of HPV did not know it causes oropharyngeal cancer. This gap underscores the need for broader education and awareness campaigns.
Moreover, misconceptions persist regarding the necessity of vaccinating boys. “People think, ‘Oh, cervical cancer. I don’t need to get my boys vaccinated,'” Sonawane said. “Anecdotally, when we speak with pediatricians, they always tell us that when they ask a parent of a male child about HPV vaccination, the parents always say, ‘Oh, but he’s a boy.'”
Impact of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many preventive healthcare measures, including HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screenings. While screenings for breast and colon cancers have rebounded, cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations have not. This lag raises concerns about future cancer rates.
“It just worries me how this is going to translate five years, 10 years down the line,” Sonawane expressed. “We are losing that critical opportunity of being able to vaccinate kids, being able to screen women at the right time and being able to catch these cancers early. Both primary and secondary prevention are suffering.”
The research, supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the National Library of Medicine, and the National Cancer Institute, highlights the urgent need for increased public education and awareness to mitigate the future burden of HPV-related cancers.
As the medical community continues to advocate for widespread vaccination and education, the findings of this study serve as a crucial reminder of the work that remains to be done in bridging the knowledge gap and protecting public health.
